About 900 brokers already have started the exchange application process, and about 2,000 more have expressed an interest in getting certified, officials said.

Officials will be offering exchange classes in Baltimore, Green Belt and Wye Mills.

To get certified, a licensed broker needs to complete one eight-hour training session.

HealthPass, the vendor helping Connecticut set up a Small Business Health Options Program exchange, has posted an ad on Craigslist.org for a contract manager who will be the primary point of contact for the state's designated contracting representative.

The contract manager will analyze SHOP contract terms and coordinate all contractual activities.